Research Fellow in Child Development

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Psychological Sciences
Location:  Guildford
Salary:  £45,585 to £48,350 per annum depending on experience
This is a fixed term role for 4 years
Post Type:  Full Time
Closing Date:  23.59 hours GMT on Sunday 14 January 2024
Reference:  036823-3

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The project 

We have an exciting opportunity for an experienced, enthusiastic and motivated researcher interested in the development of anxiety disorders in children. The project is investigating risk and resilience factors in the vicarious learning and reduction of fear in children (aged 7-10). The aim of the research is to identify the combination of parenting style, parent temperament and child temperament factors that influence vicariously learned increases and reductions in fear. The research findings are expected to increase our understanding of how fear is intergenerationally transmitted within families and identify the factors that increase children's resilience or susceptibility to fear development. The project aims to create a new evidence base that will help inform the development of future fear interventions, preventions and treatments for children by improving our understanding of the main influences on fear development and treatment responsiveness. 

The role 

• The post-holder will be responsible for recruitment of participants (parents and children) and the day-to-day running of the research in the lab. 
• Duties include creating materials, programming, collecting, processing and inputting data, conducting preliminary analyses, and maintaining a project-specific website. 
• They will need a good understanding of research methods and ethical issues in this type of research. They will also be involved in the writing-up and dissemination of findings.

This is a full-time Postdoctoral Research Fellow position in the School of Psychology at the University of Surrey, Guildford. The post-holder will be working on a 4-year fixed term ESRC-funded project with Dr Chris Askew (University of Surrey), Prof Andy Field and Dr Kathryn Lester (University of Sussex).

About you

• Candidates should hold a relevant PhD (or be near to completion), ideally in clinical or developmental psychology or related areas. 
• Previous experience of running a research project is required. 
• Experience conducting research with children or families is advantageous.

Note that due to the nature of the research and participant group (children and parents/caregivers), work outside of normal school hours will be necessary (i.e., some evenings, weekends and school holidays). 

How to apply

To apply please submit a CV and cover letter with your application. Informal enquiries can be made to Dr Chris Askew: [email protected]

The closing date for applications is 14th January 2024. Interviews will be held in January 2024. 

Please note, it is University Policy to offer a starting salary equivalent to Level 3.6 (£34,980) to successful applicants who have been awarded, but are yet to receive, their PhD certificate.  Once the original PhD certificate has been submitted to the local HR Department, the salary will be increased.